United Airlines and JetBlue Just Linked Loyalty Programs—What to Know

A new airline partnership is taking flight.

United Airlines and JetBlue recently linked loyalty programs and now provide the opportunity to book award flights on each airline, regardless of where the miles were originally earned. The airlines will also exchange gate space at hub airports, with United making a return to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) for the first time since 2015, thanks to the JetBlue gates. Similarly, JetBlue is taking some of United’s gates at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). 

The “unique consumer collaboration” has been dubbed Blue Sky. However, the airlines have clarified that the move is not a merger, nor a codeshare. It’s simply a way to provide reciprocal loyalty and award benefits, and share competitive gate space at popular airports. 

Members of United’s MileagePlus program will receive priority bag handling, check-in, and security. Travelers will also receive a minimum of one free checked bag and other perks such as extra legroom seats and same-day changes. JetBlue TrueBlue members will receive similar benefits when flying on United. 

The partnership also provides the opportunity for United frequent flyers to use miles on destinations that the airline does not currently fly to, such as Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts; Cartagena, Colombia; and Ponce, Puerto Rico.

“We’re always looking for ways to give United Airlines MileagePlus members even more value and benefits, and Blue Sky will do just that with new, unique ways to use your hard-earned miles and find options that fit your schedule,” United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said in a statement shared with Travel + Leisure.

Since United Airlines is a part of Star Alliance, the carrier’s reintroduction to John F. Kennedy International Airport will add significant connection opportunities for both domestic and international travelers. Starting in 2027, JetBlue will provide United with enough gates for seven daily round-trip flights, the release shared.

For example, United passengers would be able to connect to fellow alliance members at the airport, including Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Avianca, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, and Turkish Airlines. 

The JetBlue partnership is just the latest innovation from United. In January, the Chicago-based carrier announced it would introduce free Starlink Wi-Fi onboard its aircraft, which the airline has already begun deploying. United also recently unveiled a new service class, Polaris Studio, which is larger than its current business offering.